About 50 acres of pasture was charred, and a home and barn threatened, when a farm waste fire got out of control Sunday afternoon.
Olds Fire Department was the first to respond to the fire at about 3:45 p.m. in the Eagle Hill area, about 30 kilometres southwest of Bowden.
“Upon arrival, crews found a large grass fire that was threatening buildings, including the house, large barn, farm equipment and a holiday trailer,” says a news release.
A corral and fence were burned, but volunteer firefighters were able to protect the other structures, equipment and trailer. About 30 firefighters were on scene for five hours.
Sundre and Bowden fire departments brought their all-terrain vehicles to help out because the fields were too soft for regular fire trucks.
The fire started in an area where refuse was being burned on the farm.
Rural residents are reminded to be careful when burning, because the wind can quickly whip up a fire fed by dry, dead grass.
Information about fire permits or bans is available on Mountain View County’s website, www.mountainviewcounty.com.